Hillary Clinton's Hit Piece Against Christian Leaders Backfires

Christian leaders respond with pride to Clinton's disapproval

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:15pm

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In an op-ed for The Atlantic, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticized several Christian leaders, including Ben Garrett, Allie Beth Stuckey, and Joe Rigney, for their views on empathy and compassion. However, the Christian leaders responded by expressing gratitude that Clinton had singled them out, seeing her disapproval as a badge of honor.

Why it matters

Clinton's op-ed highlights the growing divide between liberal and conservative Christian perspectives, with the former accusing the latter of abandoning Christian principles. The Christian leaders' responses suggest that they view Clinton's criticism as validation of their beliefs, underscoring the deep ideological differences between the two sides.

The details

In her op-ed, Clinton attacked several Christian leaders for their views on empathy and compassion, including their criticism of what she called "toxic empathy." The Christian leaders, including Stuckey, Rigney, and Wilson, responded by expressing gratitude that Clinton had singled them out, seeing her disapproval as a sign that they were on the right track. Wilson even joked about the number of people in Clinton's orbit who have died mysterious deaths.

  • On January 29, 2026, Clinton published her op-ed in The Atlantic.
  • On January 30, 2026, the Christian leaders responded to Clinton's criticism on the social media platform X.

The players

Hillary Clinton

Former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee who published an op-ed criticizing several Christian leaders.

Ben Garrett

A pastor who was criticized by Clinton for failing to endorse open borders and affirm LGBT lifestyles.

Allie Beth Stuckey

A Christian podcaster and author who wrote a book titled "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion," which was criticized by Clinton.

Joe Rigney

An "extremist pastor" whose book "Leadership and the Sin of Empathy" was also criticized by Clinton.

Douglas Wilson

A Christian leader who was described as an "ally" of Rigney and who joked about the number of people in Clinton's orbit who have died mysterious deaths.

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What they’re saying

“I've never been more proud of my guy.”

— Brian Sauvé, A self-described friend of Ben Garrett

“Hey @canonpress, I'm going to need you to reprint the cover of Leadership and the Sin of Empathy with @HillaryClinton's enthusiastic endorsement.”

— Joe Rigney

“When Hillary Clinton is writing 6,000 word op-eds in the Atlantic attacking warnings against toxic empathy… you know you're over the target. Keep. Going.”

— Allie Beth Stuckey

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.